Parks & Recreation » Activities » Concessions and permits

Concessions and permits

Permits

Certain activities in the parks and forests require a permit (written permission). These activities will generally need to be carried out in a specific location. They may involve the temporary exclusive use or occupation of an area or resource and/or could adversely affect natural and cultural resources or other park users.

Examples of these activites include camping, hunting of introduced animals and trail biking.

Permits are issued to avoid over-use or conflict between users, and will be issued unless the area is fully booked or allocated. Specific restrictions may apply.

To obtain a permit

The following activities require a permit. Please contact the ranger or Upper Hutt office as indicated. If your intended activity is not shown below, please contact the relevant park ranger in the first instance. For more information on fees and conditions for managed (permitted) and non-commercial activities, click here.

Akatarawa Forest

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park

Belmont Regional Park

East Harbour Regional Park

Hutt River Trail

Kaitoke Regional Park

Pakuratahi Forest

Queen Elizabeth Park

 

Concessions

Some activities are not specifically allowed or prohibited in the parks or forests, nor are they managed through a permit system as above. They are assessed on a case by case basis taking into 

account the effects of the activity and values of the area for which it is proposed. Commercial activities require a full concession that is processed at head office. Most non-commercial activities require a streamlined concession that is processed by a park ranger.

Examples of such activities include:

  • activities involving the exclusive use of an area for an extended period of time eg filming
  • development of permanent structures or buildings by anyone other than Greater Wellington
  • commercial activities
  • large scale events

The decision making process for a full concession varies according to the type of activity. Activities are generally categorised as:

Major Concession

These apply to high-impact activities that may involve the building of structures, regular use or occupation of land or impacts of regional significance.  Examples of major concessions include golf courses and some major sporting events. They require approval by Greater Wellington Regional Council or one of its committees.  Where an activity is not provided for in a park-specific management plan the public will be notified.  Where an activity is already provided for in such a plan, then public notification will be at GW's discretion.  A major concession may also need a resource consent.  This is a separate procedure, and not part of the concession application.   A major concession is likely to have a term of over 5 years.

Minor concessions

These are required for low-impact, small-scale or occasional operations such as some guiding services or tours. They require authorisation by a delegated officer of GW and are likely to be authorised as a licence or permit with a term of up to 5 years.

Temporary concessions

These apply to low-impact single events within a six-month period, such as filming.  They require authorisation by a delegated officer of GW and are likely to be authorised as a permit.  For more information on restricted (consented) and commercial activities click here.

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